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LIVING OUTSIDE
Because of his strong desire to explore the universe, the Beagle should never be allowed outside a secure area unless he is attached to a leash. No underground fence for this little guy; if a rabbit wanders by, Snoopy will be after it, radio-collar shock or no. And if the kids have a habit of racing out the door with Snoopy in hot pursuit, make sure the gate is locked. Otherwise, confine Snoopy so he can't get out. Shelters often have an abundance of Beagles and Beagle mixes, many of them picked up as strays.
A fenced yard is preferred. It is highly recommended that your Beagle always be kept in a safe, secure environment. The securely fenced yard provides an area where your beagle can exercise without fear of his wandering off in pursuit of an intriguing scent trail. Because of their scenthound heritage, beagles should not be permitted outdoors off lead unless confined to a safely fenced area or while afield hunting. If you are not home during the day, a 6'x8' kennel enclosure placed on a concrete paved run with an insulated doghouse is a fine place for your Beagle to hang out in. Beagles enjoy being outdoors, but hate to be tied-out, and can become escape artists. A kennel run is not always the best solution, however, as a bored beagle may tend to pace back and forth and bark. A crate in a quiet location inside the home is the alternative solution. Some breeders will not sell a dog unless there is a fenced yard due to the incidence of "hit by car" deaths. An invisible fence with collar does not prevent another animal from entering your property and attacking your dog. Many breeders will not sell dogs to homes where the dog will be a strictly outdoor dog, either, as they feel that beagles, being the pack-oriented animals they are, need the companionship of their human pack. A beagle left outside can quickly become bored and destructive or noisy, even with another dog in the yard.
Beagles are also very intelligent and will quickly discover a way out of the yard if there is one. For this reason, it is not enough that the yard be fenced, but it must be beagle-proofed, as well. This means having a fence that cannot be climbed or dug under, or one whose material is such that a beagle cannot go through it or under it. It is surprising what small spaces they can escape through and how determined they can be to find a way out.
But I don't have a fence or I live in an apartment....
While a securely fenced yard is a plus, it is not an absolute necessity if you are willing to commit to walking your beagle on lead several times per day in any and all weather conditions. Because of their smaller size and gentle temperaments, beagles can be wonderful apartment pets. But such a situation will require a major committment on your part to providing adequate exercise and opportunity to relieve themselves.
We find them everywhere, in the city, in the suburbs, in rural
areas. Dogs living their lives alone in the backyard, behind
a fence, or worse, chained to a doghouse. They receive food
and water if they are lucky, but little, if any, social contact.
Is this a life for a dog? A life of loneliness,
boredom, and frustration. No, this is neglect, a form of animal
abuse that often goes unnoticed.
Dogs are social creatures, just like we are. Their ancestors
and cousins, the wolves, live in packs. Pack members depend
on each other for survival. They hunt together, play together,
and sleep together. The domestic dog also depends on its pack
for survival, but WE are their pack. A social animal like the
dog needs to be with its social group to remain psychologically
healthy. Food and water are not enough.
Dogs are banished to the backyard for many reasons. Maybe that
cute little puppy turned into a 100-pound dog and is too big
to live in the house. Maybe he was never housebroken, or is
destructive when left alone. Or perhaps some believe that dogs
belong outdoors, so they can run and play whenever they want.
But it is a rare dog that enjoys living a life without companionship.
The loneliness and frustration that outdoor dogs experience
leads to many behavior problems. Some dogs bark all day, others
dig holes, and still others develop stereotypic behaviors like
pacing or circling. These behaviors are attempts to get attention,
to relieve boredom, or simply the result of trying to cope with
a barren lonely existence. Many backyard dogs exhibit signs
of aggression. This aggression stems from a lack of socialization,
barrier frustration, and often times, self-defense. They also
become very protective of their territory creating a dangerous
situation should an unknowing child or meter reader approach
too closely.
Dogs are companion animals who need our companionship. They
offer us unconditional love and friendship, all for a simple
pat on the head. They deserve a better life than to be banished
to the backyard. They deserve love and respect, attention and
training, and to sleep among their pack. With a little patience
and persistence, any dog can learn to be well behaved in the
house.
A life alone in the backyard is no life for
a dog!
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